26 April 2009
exam week cookies
It's the Sunday before exam week, and for once I'm not stressed out beyond belief. Exam week is rarely ever worrisome for me - by this time I either know the material or I don't, so all that's left to do is some intense reviewing. Yet my roommates seem to be fairly preoccupied: one has a paper due tomorrow, another is busy packing up boxes to ship them home, and the others are preparing for exams. Baking is stress-relieving for me and eating my baking is stress-relieving for them, so I think it's about time for a batch of oatmeal chocolate chip cookies.
19 March 2009
new mexico repeals death penalty
The CNN.com article: http://edition.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/18/new.mexico.death.penalty/index.html?eref=edition
Governor Richardson's comments: http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press.php?id=1103
My note to the Governor via his website:
Governor Richardson -
I want to extend to you a note of thanks and approval after hearing of your recent decision to repeal the death penalty in New Mexico. I read CNN.com's article about the issue this morning, and fully agree with your comments in the article as well as those on your website. Though the death penalty is entirely appropriate in some situations, with a flawed justice system it's irresponsible to have the possibility of a death sentence.
Thank you for pointing out in your comments that "minorities are overrepresented in the prison population and on death row." Though slavery and segregation have long been abolished, subconscious prejudices still exist in the minds of everyone of all colors. These prejudices certainly are one of many factors that contribute to numerous minorities being in prison and on death row.
However, with the repeal of the death penalty, I wonder what steps will next be taken to ensure that prisons in New Mexico are not overcrowded. I have no experience with this issue, but would it be feasible to utilize the physical strength of inmates in some way that benefits the law-keeping members of society? For example, perhaps inmates could grow their own food (instead of food being provided by the state and citizens' tax dollars), do supervised community service, or in some way assist the border patrol?
Additionally, thank you for making the decision to run for president in 2008. America needs more people who are members of minorities in positions of political power. Had I been able to vote for the Democratic party nominee, I likely would have voted for you.
Thank you for your continuing efforts to improve the state of New Mexico as well as America.
Alayna Ruberg
Governor Richardson's comments: http://www.governor.state.nm.us/press.php?id=1103
My note to the Governor via his website:
Governor Richardson -
I want to extend to you a note of thanks and approval after hearing of your recent decision to repeal the death penalty in New Mexico. I read CNN.com's article about the issue this morning, and fully agree with your comments in the article as well as those on your website. Though the death penalty is entirely appropriate in some situations, with a flawed justice system it's irresponsible to have the possibility of a death sentence.
Thank you for pointing out in your comments that "minorities are overrepresented in the prison population and on death row." Though slavery and segregation have long been abolished, subconscious prejudices still exist in the minds of everyone of all colors. These prejudices certainly are one of many factors that contribute to numerous minorities being in prison and on death row.
However, with the repeal of the death penalty, I wonder what steps will next be taken to ensure that prisons in New Mexico are not overcrowded. I have no experience with this issue, but would it be feasible to utilize the physical strength of inmates in some way that benefits the law-keeping members of society? For example, perhaps inmates could grow their own food (instead of food being provided by the state and citizens' tax dollars), do supervised community service, or in some way assist the border patrol?
Additionally, thank you for making the decision to run for president in 2008. America needs more people who are members of minorities in positions of political power. Had I been able to vote for the Democratic party nominee, I likely would have voted for you.
Thank you for your continuing efforts to improve the state of New Mexico as well as America.
Alayna Ruberg
01 March 2009
cinnamon rolls
Yesterday I decided to attempt yet another new baking experience: cinnamon rolls. I've baked with yeast only once before, so I was very wary of how they would turn out (especially since I realized halfway through dough-making that the recipe called for rapid-rise yeast instead of active-dry yeast like I had bought!). The recipe's from epicurious.com, and it even includes a really tasty cream cheese frosting/glaze.
rolling out the dough
Clytemnestra kept me entertained with the "Slumdog Millionaire" soundtrack :)
The rolls in the foreground are the ones baked in my glass baking dish. I own only one baking dish, so I baked half of the rolls on a cookie sheet, and they ended up quite burnt on the bottom. Next time I'll just have to bake half of them at a time.
Frosted and yummy and ready to be devoured
rolling out the dough
Clytemnestra kept me entertained with the "Slumdog Millionaire" soundtrack :)
The rolls in the foreground are the ones baked in my glass baking dish. I own only one baking dish, so I baked half of the rolls on a cookie sheet, and they ended up quite burnt on the bottom. Next time I'll just have to bake half of them at a time.
Frosted and yummy and ready to be devoured
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